Pratt Society Events

We are so excited to welcome you back to the Central Library this fall and beyond for a series of events just for you. Members of the Pratt Society will receive exclusive invitations to dinners and receptions with notable speakers, virtual Q&As with Library leaders, and special behind-the-scenes events.

Our hope is that this year’s line-up re-connects you with those who share your passion and belief in the Pratt and its ability to better Baltimore. We know now, more than ever, that community and gathering is something to not take for granted. And we can’t wait to see you! As always, the safety of our community comes first and we will continue to monitor health concerns and share updates with you.

Thank you for your support—we’ll see you at the Pratt soon!

Upcoming Events

Writers LIVE! George Takei

Wednesday, September 29 at 5:45 pm

All members of the Pratt Society are invited to join us for a virtual Q&A with actor and social justice activist George Takei. Takei will share the story of family’s forced internment during WWII, take audiences through his rise as a Sci-Fi icon, and his passion for LGBTQ+ rights.

Brown Lecture Series: Roxane Gay

Wednesday, October 6 at 6:15 pm

All members of the Pratt Society are invited to join us for special virtual Q&A with New York Times best-selling author Roxane Gay. The Pratt will provide food and a signature cocktail for the evening, while you have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Gay before the public program.

Writers LIVE! Henry Winkler

Tuesday, October 12 at 6:15 pm

All members of the Pratt Society are invited to join us for a virtual Q&A with Henry Winkler. Winkler, a Hollywood icon and Emmy award-winner, will share stories from his long career and the transformative power of literacy.

Private Pratt Society Event with Arnold Lehman

Tuesday, October 26 at 6:00 pm

Donors of $2,500 or more are invited to join us for a private, offsite Pratt Society reception with Arnold Lehman. Lehman is the past Director of the BMA, Director Emeritus of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the author of the new book, Sensation: The Madonna, The Mayor, The Media, and the First Amendment. The book covers the controversial Saatchi Collection exhibit and the Brooklyn Museum’s battle with then Mayor Giuliani and the New York Times.

A free public event will take place the following evening moderated by Tom Hall.

Brown Lecture Series: Dawn Porter

Wednesday, November 10 at 6 PM

All members of the Pratt Society are invited to join us for a special reception with award-winning documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter. Porter has focused on subjects as varied as John Lewis, Bobby Kennedy, Vernon Jordan and Pete Souza. She is currently working with Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry on a project focused on mental illness and mental well-being.

Pratt Test Kitchen: Toni Tipton-Martin

Wednesday, February 23 at 6:00 pm

Donors $5,000 or more will be invited to join us for a special dinner reception with James Beard Book Award Winner Toni Tipton-Martin. She will share her passion for building a healthier, more equitable community and the story stories behind some of her favorite recipes. Tipton-Martin is the Editor-in-Chief of Cook’s Country Magazine.

Brown Lecture Series: Brittney Cooper

Tuesday, March 22 at 6:00 pm

All members of the Pratt Society are invited to join us for a special reception with author, activist, professor, and cultural critic Brittney Cooper. Cooper’s work focuses on the intersectionality of music culture, politics, black womanhood, and feminism. She is a professor at Rutgers University and regularly writes for TIME, Salon, and Cosmopolitan.

SAVE THE DATE: Mr. Pratt Presents

April 2 at 6:00 pm

We look forward to welcoming guests to an elegant evening to celebrate the special place the Pratt holds in the Baltimore community with a national speaker as our honored guest. This year’s gala is chaired by University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke and Chris Espenshade. Tickets will go one sale in early 2022 and sponsorships are now available. Please call Chris Lewis at (410) 396-5275 for more information. We anticipate selling out! Donors of $2,500 or more receive early access to tickets.

Pratt Test Kitchen: Michael Twitty

Tuesday, April 26 at 6:00 pm

Donors of $5,000 or more will be invited to a special evening with culinary historian and James Beard Book Award Winner Michael Twitty. He will share his insights into how we better address food injustice and the real story behind how Black culture and food shaped American cuisine.

All members of the Society will also be invited to our popular Wine & Words event in the Spring, as well as our virtual Town Hall series with President and CEO Heidi Daniel. Invitations will be sent when dates are selected.

For more information about Pratt Society events or to make a gift to the Library, contact Chris Lewis, Individual and Corporate Giving Manager. Chris may be reached at (410) 396-5275 or clewis@prattlibrary.org.